Ship strikes dredge pipeline in Sabine Pass, pulls it out to sea

Sep 6, 201807:25 PM

Draft restrictions are implemented to conduct surveys to find the missing line

(HOUSTON) — Several ships, including two oil tankers and one for handling liquefied natural gas, were stalled and unable to enter the Sabine Pass Channel due to draft restrictions following a pipeline strike Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Port Arthur’s Vessel Traffic Service implemented 32-foot restrictions on draft after a 24-inch steel dredge pipeline was struck and pulled out to sea by a ship moving through the Sabine Pass Channel to the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a notice.

As much as 1,000 feet of pipeline is missing, prompting the limits on vessel draft in order that surveys could be carried out to locate the displaced line, the Coast Guard said, adding it would re-evaluate the restrictions as warranted.

The restrictions are in place from Sabine Pass to the sea buoy. Vessels with drafts under 32 feet may still pass through the channel, the Coast Guard said.